Branstad: State GOP convention switch a 'real mistake'

1:12 AM,
Aug. 27, 2013

Gov. Terry Branstad

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Republican party leaders in Iowa are clashing over a decision to change a state convention date, with some saying the switch could hurt Republicans' chances to win a crucial U.S. Senate seat.

Gov. Terry Branstad on Monday called the date switch "a real mistake." U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley agreed with the governor.

And four GOP candidates for the U.S. Senate seat signed a letter to Republican Party of Iowa Chairman A.J. Spiker asking party officials to backtrack, saying they don't want to give their Democratic competitor an extra month to go unchallenged if there is no outright winner in the GOP ...